Don’t cut safety this mowing season

Man on mower (Photo: 3M)

Working outside in the sun certainly has its perks, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t safety hazards to consider. For example, when mowing a lawn, hearing protection seems obvious (or at least it should), but do you know why you may also need a respirator and safety glasses? Cutting grass can stir up a lot of dust, dirt and debris as well as rocks and twigs. The dirt and debris may not sound like a big deal, but in the spring when allergens are high, respiratory protection may help lessen your exposure to certain particles such as mold and pollen. So, what can help? Consider an N95 disposable particulate respirator. N95 is a rating from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health that means the respirator filter media is at least 95 percent efficient at filtering out particles like pollen and mold spores. You also may want to look for one with an exhalation valve because it will help expel the hot moist air that can build up inside a respirator.

You’re going to wear sunglasses anyway, so why wouldn’t you also protect your eyes from impact hazards, like debris that could fly out from the mower or that low-hanging branch you don’t see coming? Most consumer sunglasses are not designed for impacts, so consider a pair of safety glasses, which are. American National Standards Institute-rated safety glasses are designed to help protect your eyesight from potential impacts from flying debris or slow-moving objects such as hanging branches. As a bonus, they also protect your eyes from 99.9 percent of UV light.

Source: 3M